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3d ago

Argentina Finishes Group Stage Unbeaten as Messi Scores from the Bench

Scaloni rotated the squad to protect key players' fitness for the knockout phase.

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Los futbolistas de Argentina en la previa del partido ante Jordania, en el cierre de la fase de grupos del Mundial.
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Overview

  • Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1 to complete Group J with three wins and no losses, sealing a perfect group-stage record.
  • Lionel Messi entered as a substitute and converted a free kick to make it 3-1, his sixth goal of the tournament and 19th in World Cup history.
  • Coach Lionel Scaloni made extensive changes for the match and said Messi accepted a bench role so teammates could get minutes and key players would be fresher for elimination games.
  • FIFA's full Round-of-16 bracket is set and play begins June 28 with South Africa vs Canada; Argentina is scheduled to face World Cup debutants Cabo Verde in Miami on July 4.
  • The tournament's expanded 48-team format has produced surprise qualifiers such as Cabo Verde and forced teams to manage player minutes carefully, a strategic shift that may affect outcomes in single-elimination rounds.